Progressive Retinal Atrophy and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Cavaliers:

A Slow Death of the Retina

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), also known as progressive retinal degeneration (PRD), is a genetic disease in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel which causes blindness. PRA is inherited by an autosomal recessive gene. It is a slow but progressive degeneration or death of the retinal tissue. It is similar to retinitis pigmentosa in humans.

All CKCSs should be examined at least annually by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist. They are listed on this webpage of the website of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists: www.acvo.org/locate.htm

Symptoms

It's earliest signs may be overlooked, and owners may not notice the early stages of the disorder. It usually begins with an an abnormal shine in the Cavalier's eyes. This is due to the pupils being dilated and not responding as quickly to light as pupils of normal dogs. Other early indications include night vision difficulties that usually progress to day blindness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis should be conducted by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Usually the veterinarian first examines the dog with an indirect ophthalmoscope. An electroretinogram (ERG) is essential for an accurate diagnosis, because cataracts also may develop in the eyes of dogs suffering from PRA, and they may interfere with the ophthalmologist's examination of the retina. Examination using the ERG requires that the dog be anesthetized. The ERG is sensitive enough to diagnose dogs with PRD before they begin to demonstrate signs of the disease.

Treatment

There is no possible medical treatment for PRA.

Breeders' Responsibilities

The Canine Inherited Disorders Database recommends that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels suffering from PRA not be bred. Any littermates of breeding stock having PRA should be taken into consideration. All Cavalier breeding stock should be examined by board certified veterinary ophthalmologists at least annually and cleared by the veterinary specialists for PRA, the closer the examination to the breeding the better.

Control of Canine Genetic Diseases, Padgett, G.A., Howell Book House 1998, pp. 198-199, 241.

Guide to Congenital and Heritable Disorders in Dogs, Dodds WJ, Hall S, Inks K, A.V.A.R., Jan 2004, Section II(256).

Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs & Cats, Alex Gough, Alison Thomas. 2004; Blackwell Publ. 44-45.

Canine Inherited Disorders Database: http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/ocular%20disorders/Progressive%20Retinal%20Atrophy.htm